Graphic shows energy-related CO2 emissions and annual change from 1990 to 2020.
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Carbon surge expected in post-Covid energy boom

By Jordi Bou

April 22, 2021 - Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are forecast to rise by the second largest annual amount on record, as global economies pour stimulus cash into fossil fuels to aid recovery from the Covid-19 recession.

The IEA’s Global Energy Review 2021 predicts carbon dioxide emissions would rise to 33 billion tonnes this year, up 1.5 billion tonnes from 2020 levels as global economies pour stimulus
cash into fossil fuels to aid recovery from the Covid-19 recession.

The leap will be second only to the massive rebound 10 years ago after the financial crisis, and will put climate hopes out of reach unless governments act quickly, the IEA has warned.

The use of coal in Asia is expected to be key: the IEA says it will push global demand up by 4.5%, taking it close to the global peak seen in 2014.

However, renewable energy is also booming, with green sources set to supply 30% of electricity this year.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 20/04/2021; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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